Brian J. Lowney - Fur, Fin and Feathers: Prevention best medicine for people and pets

Have you looked in your pet's mouth lately?

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By brian j. lowney

southcoasttoday.com

By brian j. lowney

Posted Feb. 23, 2014 at 12:01 AM

By brian j. lowney

Posted Feb. 23, 2014 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

Have you looked in your pet's mouth lately?

I must admit, it's an important task that I seldom perform, and usually wait for the veterinarian to give me a report during my feline's annual checkup.

According to Dr. Kimberley Suh (pronounced SAW), a member of the veterinary staff at Marion Animal Hospital in Marion, prevention is the key to a healthy mouth and a happy pet.

During February, observed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) as National Pet Dental Health Month, veterinarians are urging pet owners to make dental care a part of regular grooming and also to watch for signs of periodontal disease which, when left untreated, can lead to significant organ damage or failure.

Suh, who graduated from Seoul National University in South Korea as a veterinarian, completed her clinical training at Cornell University in 2007 and joined the staff at Marion Animal Hospital the following year. Her interests are in surgery and alternative medicine, and she is a certified veterinary acupuncturist.

To illustrate the need for pet owners to be proactive in combating dental disease, Suh cites an AMVA study that reported more than 85 percent of cats and dogs older than age 4 suffer from some degree of periodontal disease.

The popular veterinarian says that periodontal disease is the most common ailment that she treats in her busy practice.

"You can imagine that, if you don't brush your teeth for several years, you will have dental problems, too," Suh emphasizes, adding that warning signs of dental disease include bleeding, swollen red gums, and halitosis.

Suh says that some owners believe that if a pet is eating, its teeth are fine, which is not always true.

"It's amazing how well pets adapt," she adds.

According to Suh, dental problems are more prevalent in small canine breeds, such as Shih Tzus and Yorkshire terriers, rather than larger dogs, including St. Bernards, Labrador and golden retrievers.

Many veterinarians attribute dental problems in smaller breeds because the teeth are compressed into a small jaw in which overcrowding occurs. Additionally, the roots are so small that they are not firmly anchored in the lower jaw.

Suh says because most small breeds have difficulty with dental chews and bones, which help clean mouths, tartar builds up, forcing the tiny teeth to loosen and fall out.

No matter what size dog or cat you own, the veterinarian emphasizes that, while pet owners should introduce their companion animals to brushing at an early age, it's never too late to start this important form of hygiene.

She warns owners never to use human-grade toothpaste or toothbrushes, which have harder bristles. Special toothbrushes can be purchased at veterinary offices and pet stores in various sizes to accommodate any size canine, while flavored toothpaste is available in gourmet flavors such as beef, chicken, seafood and peanut butter.

While human toothpaste contains fluoride, which can be toxic to pets when swallowed, pet toothpaste is specially formulated and isn't harmful when ingested.

Suh recommends introducing a pet to brushing gradually to make the experience a fun time for both the owner and companion animal. Without brushing, plaque, a thin bacterial film, can form on a tooth surface that, when mixed with saliva, calcifies to form tartar.

When tartar pushes down on gums, an animal can suffer pain, bleeding and infection, which can cause serious organ damage when harmful bacteria penetrates the bleeding spot and spreads to become a systemic condition.

"The sad thing is that we see a lot of this problem, but it's 100 percent preventable if you brush the animal's teeth," Suh notes, adding that a systemic infection can develop into a life-threatening condition if not quickly treated.

The veterinarian recommends making brushing fun, initially by introducing toothpaste as a treat by initially just placing a small dab on the critter's tongue.

After a few days, gently rub a small bit of toothpaste on the teeth, and gradually work up to brushing.

"This can be a good bonding time," Suh says. She adds that, if brushing doesn't work, there are other cleansing materials such as powders and sprays that can be obtained from veterinarians.

"Toothpaste is still the most effective solution," Suh emphasizes.

While some small animal practitioners prefer that their four-footed patients eat dry food to maintain good dental health, Suh and her colleagues recommend a balanced diet of both dry and wet foods for general health.

"Even if the animal is on an all-dry diet, dental brushing and teeth cleaning are still needed," Suh says.

Swansea resident Brian J. Lowney has been writing about pets for more than 20 years. He is a past president of the Wampanoag Kennel Club, an active dog show judge. All of Brian's columns are available online in our pet section. Visit http://pets.SouthCoastToday.com. Email Brian: newsroom@s-t.com